Abstract
The difficulty in determining the carrying capacity of a pasture is a reality in most rural properties, this determination has become increasingly necessary due to Global Climate Change, which makes the amplitude of climatic events more extreme, with susceptibility to periods of prolonged drought and drought, as well as large-volume precipitation events. These events have become more frequent and have direct impacts on Livestock. During the dry period, which occurs from June to September, the scarcity of forage significantly impairs cattle performance, leading to weight loss, a sharp reduction in milk production, decreased fertility and a general weakening of the herd. In this sense, the study aimed to evaluate the support capacity of a Brachiaria decumbens pasture for dairy cattle farming using the square methodology. The study was carried out at the Veterinary Medicine Course School Farm at the Iguaçu University, in a Brachiaria decumbens pasture, Municipality of Piraí, in Rio de Janeiro, in April. Support capacity was assessed using the Square Method, recommended by EMBRAPA (2010). Considering the result of approximately 3 AU/ha through rotation every 3-4 days, a low result, continuous monitoring of the pasture is recommended, with seasonal assessment according to the seasons. It is also recommended to carry out a soil analysis and possible fertilization and liming.
DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2023.006-110